"America Singer's father is a rebel?" The sharp wind stole my breath as I briskly walked to one of the bright yellow buses, hoping not to be recognized. It was a miracle that no one caught the Princess of Ilia running an underground rebel operation to overthrow her own family. My name is Catalina. I'm a one, Prince Maxon's adopted sister.
"Yeah. He helps run the Carolina sector." The bus shuddered before roaring to life. I have approximately thirty minutes until the guard comes to look for me. Most of the people got off in the first fifteen minutes before the driver dropped me off by the old boardwalk.
"Well, this will be interesting. Have you figured out what information you need yet or are you and August still looking?"
"Still looking. I got to go. August promised me a date tonight."I stepped back into the rain and the wind before running to the edge of the pier. I was insanely jealous of her relationship. Mostly because I could never have that. Maxon could never have that. We were always told who to love. For him, he at least had his pick of the crop. I was told who to like. That, of course, didn't stop me. There was once a boy who I had loved. But, he was long gone to his own people.
"Fine, I'll talk to you later G." I shut my cheap silver phone before ripping off my shirt and skirt, left with only my sports bra and shorts on. The rain might have been cold, but it was cooling against the humid air. I took a deep breath before sprinting off the dock and diving into the warm water. Under the water, I could hear the whistle that called for me. I broke the surface, gasping for air before I swam to the small strip of secluded land across the way. The small strip of land was covered in grass and trees and perfect for hiding from the guard. I grabbed the blanket I brought over from a few months ago and laid down on it, enjoying the fresh air.
"You are going to be in so much trouble." A lone man stood over me, gently smiling. He was about my age, yet usually, there were more soldiers to drag me back down to hell. He was tall with thick hair and absolutely stunning.
"Your-"He began to bow deeply to me, but I stopped him by holding up a hand. He had a slight accent. Something pulled me to him. Something right.
"Please call me Cat. And no bowing, bowing is just too formal." I waved my hand as if to wave the incident away. He chuckled and stood to his full height. He had brown straight hair with freckles that spotted his nose and he had the most captivating smile. I suddenly felt uncomfortable being only in my sports bra and black shorts. His eyes skimmed over my half-naked body, yet not in a perverted way.
"I know Cat. I don't suppose you remember me?" He took off his jacket and handed it to me. It smelled like a popular cologne but with a more wooded bite.
"No, Care to refresh me?" He fell in step with me as I pulled the jacket tighter around me to fight the bitter wind. He took off his glasses and gave me a dazzling smile. "Declan" I chuckled in joy as I hugged him.
"How have you been Cat?"
"I've been better. How's the family?" I tugged the jacket tighter around my body as we neared the main bridge.
"Fine. Peter sends his love, as usual." I giggled. Declan's family has been serving the palace for centuries. Now, our families were closer than ever because of the New China war. "Why are you so up north from the capital?" I sighed at the thought of that wretched boarding school.
"My father wants me to become a civilized wife. A.K.A Ilea's next sex slave sold into a diplomatic situation." We reached the end of the bridge where the road led into gravel and rocks. I gingerly stepped over the sharp rocks in my bare feet. Declan placed a hand on my back to help me navigate the bits of debris including glass and plastic. I pricked my foot and I stepped on a smooth rock and slipped. On instinct, I reached out for the closest thing near me which happened to be Declan. I felt blood rush into my neck as our noses brushed. His hands traced down my spine. "I um….ah…", I started to stutter. A whistle blew in the distance. The other guards would be back at this sector in a few minutes.
"As much as I love this, we have to get to your plane." My voice caught in my throat as I nodded and sat up on my l before walking off, embarrassment evident in my face.